The Finishing of the Work

                     "As God hath prospered him"
                     MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)


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                     "God loveth a cheerful giver"
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                 DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE    As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.    Name    Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied   STUDY RECORD              1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13   1ST DAY'S STUDY   2D DAY'S STUDY   3D DAY'S STUDY   4TH DAY'S STUDY   5TH DAY'S STUDY   6TH DAY'S STUDY   7TH DAY'S STUDY

"Let the Sabbath school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip- ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252.

                  Lesson 1, for April 7, 1951
                The Gospel Commission
MEMORY VERSE: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19, 20.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 818-828; "While It Is Day," chapter 1.
                     DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT   1. General survey of the lesson.        5. Read selection from "The Desire of   2. Questions 1-4.                             Ages."  '3. Questions 5-7.                       6. Read selection from "While It Is   4. Questions 8-13.                            Day."     '
                                      7. Review.

The Gospel Commission tbe Great Missionary Charter
              of the Whole Church    1. What group did Jesus first send forth to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and to whom were they sent? What instruction did He give them? Matt. 10:1, 5-8.

NOTE.—"The commission had been given to the Twelve when Christ met with them in the upper chamber ; but it was now to be given to a larger number. At the meeting on a mountain in Galilee, all the believers who could be called together were assembled.... At the time appointed, about five hun- dred believers were collected in little knots on the mountainside.... Suddenly Jesus stood among them. . . . He came and spoke to them saying, 'All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.' . . . 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,' baptizing them into the name of. the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' Matt. 28:19, 20, R.V."—The Desire of Ages, pages 818, 819.
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          Gospel to Be Given to the Whole World    6. With Jerusalem as the starting point, how far was the work of witnessing to extend? Acts 1:8,, last part.

NOTE.—"The commission given to the disciples is given also to us. Today, as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those who are without God and without hope in the world. . . . To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried."— Gospel Workers, page 29.

            Essentials of the Gospel Commission    8. What is the gospel? Rom. 1:16.

NoTE.—The gospel is the good news that Jesus saves from sin. Sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4. The gospel, therefore, is the good news that Jesus saves men from transgressing the law. Matt. 1:21.    9. What will be the characteristics of the people who are brought out under the final proclamation of the gospel? Rev. 14: 6, 12.

         The Completion of the Gospel Commission    10. What fate befell the Jewish nation for failure to let the light shine? Matt. 21:43.
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NoTE.—"It is in doing Christ's work that the church has the promise of His presence. Go teach all nations, He said ; 'and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.' To take His yoke is one of the first condi- tions of receiving His power. The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord's commission. To neglect this work is surely to invite spiritual feebleness and decay. Where there is no active labor for others, love wanes, and faith grows dim."—The Desire of Ages, page 825.    13. What special provision has the Lord made for the comple- tion of His work on earth? Upon what conditions will this power be imparted to the church? Rev. 18:1; Zech. 10:1; Acts 5:32.


                  Lesson 2, for April 14, 1951
                    My Father's Business    MEMORY VERSE: "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.   STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26, 75-83; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 17-50; "While It Is Day," chapter 2.
                      DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1.   General survey of the lesson.            Ages" and "The Ministry of Heal- 2.   Questions 1-4.                           ing." 3.   Questions 5-8.                      6. Read selection from "While It Is 4.   Questions 9-14.                          Day." 5.   Read selections from "The Desire of 7. Review.

                Thou Shalt Call His Name Jesus    1. How did the "gospel prophet" say the Saviour would come the first time? What would be the result of that coming? Isa. 9:6, 2; 7:14.

NOTE.—"Christ was made the mark of every weapon of bell. . . . In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam's failure. . . . And Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation.... If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us."— The Desire of Ages, pages 116, 117. Compare Heb. 4:14-16; John 16:33.    6. As He commenced His ministry, to what illuminating proph- ecy did Jesus point? Luke 4:14-21. (See Isa. 61:1, 2.)

NOTE.—"This world is a vast lazar house, but Christ came to heal the sick, to proclaim deliverance to the captives of Satan.... When virtue from Christ
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          The Saviour's Objectives and Burden    12. In what words did Jesus reveal the supreme object of His earthly ministry? Luke 19:10.

NoTE.—"While Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit. . . . Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. . . . By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high."—The Desire of Ages, page 669.    4. Before the disciples should continue their work after His ascension, what command did Jesus give them and with what pur- pose? Luke 24:49.

NOTE.—"These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the Day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ's promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for them- selves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day. So it may be now."—The Desire of Ages, page 827.    6. What results followed the receiving of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2:41; 4:33; 6:7.

        Organization and Labors of Early Church

 NoTE.—"The persecution that came upon the church in Jerusalem resulted in giving a great impetus to the work of the gospel. Success had attended the ministry of the word in that place, and there was danger that the disciples would linger there too long, unmindful of the Saviour's commission to go to all the world. Forgetting that strength to resist evil is best gained by aggres- sive service, they began to think that they had no work so important as that of shielding the church in Jerusalem from the attacks of the enemy. Instead of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied with what had been accomplished. To scatter His representatives abroad, where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon them. Driven from Jerusalem, the believers 'went everywhere preaching the word.' "—The Acts of the Apostles, page 105.
                        Methods of Labor    10. What methods of evangelism did the apostles use? Acts 5:42; 20:20.

                    Lesson 4, for April 28, 1951

                 Through Long Centuries    MEMORY VERSE: "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Revelation 12:11.    STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 49-78, 289-298 (new ed., pp. 55-87, 331-341); "While It Is Day," chapter 4.
                      DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1.   General survey of the lesson.     5. Read selections from "The Great 2.   Questions 1-4.                         Controversy." 3.   Questions 5-8.                    6. Read selection from "While It Is 4.   Questions 9-13.                        Day."
                                    7. Review.

                          The Great Apostasy    1. What symbol does divine Inspiration use to portray the apostasy of the Dark Ages? What deception was used to accomplish the designs of Satan? Rev. 2:20.

N0TE.—"Little by little, at first in stealth and silence, and then more openly as it increased in strength and gained control of the minds of men, the mystery of iniquity carried forward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imperceptibly the customs of heathenism found their way into the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity was restrained for a time by the fierce persecutions which the church endured under pagan- ism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers; and in place of the require- ments of God, she substituted human theories and traditions. . . . And the world, cloaked with a form of righteousness, walked into the church."—The Great Controversy, pages 49, 50.    2. What were some of the ways in which Jezebel led Israel into sin? 1 Kings 16:31; 18:13, 19, 30.

           God's Care for His Persecuted Church   6. Where did the church find refuge during the long years of papal persecution? Rev. 12:6.

NOTE.—"God had permitted trials to come upon His people to prepare them for the accomplishment of His gracious purpose toward them. The church had been brought low, that she might be exalted. God was about to display His power in her behalf, to give to the world another evidence that He will not forsake those who trust in Him. He had overruled events to cause the wrath of Satan and the plots of evil men to advance His glory, and to bring His people to a place of security. Persecution and exile were opening the way to freedom."—The Great Controversy, page 291.   9. What characteristics of the remnant church call forth the wrath of the dragon? Rev. 12:17.

               The True Church Triumphant    10. How do we know that the papal persecutions did not suc- ceed in completely wiping out the truth? Rev. 3:2.

NOTE.—"The papal power sought to hide from the people the word of truth, and set before them false witnesses to contradict its testimony. When the Bible was proscribed by religious and secular authority; when its testi- mony was perverted, and every effort made that men and demons could in- vent to turn the minds of the people from it; when those who dared proclaim its sacred truths were hunted, betrayed, tortured, buried in dungeon cells, martyred for their faith, or compelled to flee to mountain fastnesses, and to dens and caves of the earth,—then the faithful witnesses prophesied in sack- cloth. Yet they continued their testimony throughout the entire period of 1260 years. In the darkest times there were faithful men who loved God's word, and were jealous for His honor."—The Great Controversy, page 267.

11. What is the true church called by the apostle Paul? 1 Tim. 3:15.    NOTE.—If we find the true church, it will have the truth ; and, conversely, if we find the truth, it will lead us to the true church.

NOTE.—"A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ's soon coming, is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel's message of Reve- lation 14. . .. The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning, is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly mes- senger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message, and the power and glory that were to attend it. . . . It is declared to be a part of the 'everlasting gospel;' and it announces the opening of the judgment."—The Great Controversy, pages 355, 356.    2. What is the first point of truth proclaimed with great em- phasis? Rev. 14:7, first part.

NOTE.—" `The importance of the Sabbath as a memorial of creation is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God,'— because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. `The Sabbath, therefore, lies at the very foundation of divine worship; for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.' It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden ; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial."—The Great Controversy, pages 437, 438.

                 The Second Angel's Message    5. To what is our attention called in the second angel's mes- sage? Rev. 14:8, first part.

NOTE.—"Babylon is said to be `the mother of harlots.' By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. . . .
"Many of the Protestant churches are following Rome's example of iniqui- tous connection with 'the kings of the earth'—the state churches, by their relation to secular governments; and other denominations, by seeking the favor of the world. And the term `Babylon'—confusion—may be appropri- ately applied to these bodies, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects, with widely conflicting creeds and theories."—The Great Controversy, pages 382, 383.    9. What is Babylon charged with doing? Rev. 14:8, last part.

NOTE.—"The great sin charged against Babylon is, that she `made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornications.' This cup of intox-
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                  The Third Angel's Message

NoTE.—The beast of Revelation 14:9-11 is the same beast so fully identi- fied in Revelation 13:1-10. It is none other than the papal power.   11. What power is exercised by the two-horned beast, and what does he decree? Rev. 13:11-15.

NOTE.—"The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate Protes- tantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas."    "Whe1n the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the inflic- tion of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result."—The Great Controversy, page 445.    12. What does the two-horned beast cause all to receive? Rev. 13:16, 17.

NOTE.—"As the sign of the authority of the Catholic Church, papist writ- ers cite 'the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; . . . because by keeping Sunday, they acknowledge the church's power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin.' What then is the change of the Sabbath, but the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Roman Church—`the mark of the beast'?"—The Great Controversy, page 448.
"When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her suprem- acy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome—`the mark of the beast.' And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive `the mark of the beast.'"—The Great Controversy, page 449.
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                    Lesson 6, for May 12, 1951
   Christ's Message to the Remnant Church
MEMORY VERSE: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Revelation 3:18.
STUDY HELPS: "Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 185-195; "While It Is Day," chap- ter 6.
                      DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1.   General survey of the lesson.    5. Read selection from "Testimonies." 2.   Questions 1-4.                   6. Read selection from "While It Is 3.   Questions 5-8.                        Day." 4.   Questions 9-12.                  7. Review.

NOTE. "The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian era. The number seven indicates complete- ness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 585.
The ancient city of Laodicea was a prosperous, proud, commercial city of Asia Minor. The word "Laodicea" means "the judging of the people" or "a just people," a designation peculiarly fitting tow, the people who have the responsibility of proclaiming the judgment-hour message.    2. Who addresses these messages to the church? Why can there be no question about His testimony? Rev. 3:14, last part. Compare Rev. 1:5.

 NoTE.—"The testimony, so cutting and severe, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who speaks, and His testimony must be correct."— Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 253.

               Message of Reproof, Not Rejection    3. What does the True Witness assert regarding His knowl- edge of the church and its condition? What does He purpose to do if there is no change? Rev. 3:15, 16.
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NOTE.—"The gold here recommended as having been tried in the fire is faith and love. It makes the heart rich."
"Faith and love are the true riches, the pure gold which the True Witness counsels the lukewarm to buy. However rich we may be in earthly treasure, all our wealth will not enable us to buy the precious remedies that cure the disease of the soul called lukewarmness."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 88.    8. What is next offered? How may it be obtained? Rev. 3:18, second part; 19:8, last part. Compare Zech. 3:3, 4; Isa. 61:10.

NOTE.—"The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience."—Testimo- nies, vol. 4, p. 88.
9. What is the last remedy offered the church? From whom is it obtained? Rev. 3:18, last part.

NOTE.-"I saw that many have so much rubbish piled up at the door of their heart that they cannot get the door open. Some have difficulties between themselves and their brethren to remove. Others have evil tempers, selfish covetousness, to remove before they can open the door. Others have rolled the world before the door of their heart, which bars the door. All this rubbish must be taken away, and then they can open the door and welcome the Saviour in."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 143.
12. What further inducement is given the Laodicean church to change its condition? Rev. 3:21.

  "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,
  so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for
  God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.
            PLAN FOR THE THIRTEENTH
            SABBATH OFFERING, JUNE 30.

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     The Essential Foundational Experience    MEMORY VERSE: "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3.    STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 71-80; "While It Is Day," chapter 7.
                      DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1.   General survey of the lesson.     5. Read selection from "Steps to 2.   Questions 1-4.                         Christ." 3.   Questions 5-9.                    6. Read selection from "While It Is 4.   Questions 10-12.                       Day."
                                    7. Review.

                             Repentance    1. What leads a sinner to repentance? Rom. 2:4; Jer. 31:3.

NoTE.—"It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. `Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.' The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.' Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ."—Steps to Christ, page 20.    3. What is the answer to this cry of the burdened heart? John 1:29.

NOTE.—"Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek-the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer.... If we have not experienced that repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not with true humiliation of soul and brok- enness of spirit confessed our sins, abhorring our iniquity, we have never truly sought for the forgiveness of sin; and if we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God."—Steps to Christ, pages 42, 43.
                          Regeneration    7. What promise is given to the diligent seeker after God? Jer. 29:13.

NOTE.—"The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holi- ness."—Steps to Christ, page 47.    9. How is this yielding of the heart or surrendering of the will described by the Saviour? Luke 14:33.

NOTE.—"Many are inquiring, 'How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?' ... What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure."—Steps to Christ, pages 51, 52.

NOTE.—"The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occa- sional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts. . . .
"By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on?
"Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him."—Steps to Christ, page 62.
"If one who daily communes with God errs from the path, if he turns a moment from looking steadfastly unto Jesus, it is not because he sins willfully ; for when he sees his mistake, he turns again, and fastens his eyes upon Jesus, and the fact that he has erred, does not make him less dear to the heart of God."—Review and Herald, May 12, 1896.


                   Lesson 8, for May 26, 1951

                  The Life and the Work    MEMORY VERSE: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me." John 15 :4.    STUDY HELPS: "Steps to Christ," pages 81-88; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 497-516; "While It Is Day," chapter 8.
                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT   1.   General survey of the lesson.          Christ" and "The Ministry of   2.   Questions 1-4.                         Healing."   3.   Questions 5-8.                    6. Read selection from "While It Is   4.   Questions 9-12.                        Day."   5.   Read selections from "Steps to    7. Review.

                           A Twofold Life    1. What balance did Jesus maintain in His life on earth? Mark 1:35; Acts 10:38.

NOTE.—"We must live a twofold life,—a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in training the mind to thoughtfulness and caretaking, prepares one for daily duties, and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances, however trying."—The Ministry of Healing, page 512.

                   The "Abiding" Experience   3. What are some of heaven's choicest blessings which are de- pendent upon the abiding experience?    ANSWER; (a) Answered prayer. (John 15:7.)
          (b) The abundant life. (Eph. 3:16-19.)
          (c) Victory over sin. (1 John 3:4-6.)
          (d) Our hope of eternity. (Col. 1:27.)    4. In what words did Paul express his submission to the will of God? Acts 9:6, first part.

NoTE.—"Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie,—to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that nothing may entice us to choose another master; for we are always free to do this. But let us keep our eyes fixed upon Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe."—Steps to Christ, page 77.    8. .What agencies has God provided for keeping the mind fixed on Jesus?

                Service and Growth in Grace    9. What course should our lives take after we have commenced the Christian life? 2 Peter 3:18; Heb. 6:1.

NOTE.—"The only way to grow in grace is to be disinterestedly doing the very work which Christ has enjoined upon us,—to engage, to the extent of our ability, in helping and blessing those who need the help we can give them. Strength comes by exercise; activity is the very condition of life. Those who endeavor to maintain Christian life by passively accepting the blessings that come through the means of grace, and doing nothing for Christ, are simply trying to live by eating without working. And in the spiritual as in the natural world, this always results in degeneration and decay. A man who would refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers, not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength that he already had."—Steps to Christ, page 85.
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NOTE.—"As the sun goes forth on its errand of love, dispelling the shades of night, and awakening the world to life, so the followers of Christ are to go forth on their mission, diffusing the light of heaven upon those who are in the darkness of error and sin."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 63.    12. What encouraging prophetic forecast is given of the church? Isa. 60:1-5.

                   Lesson 9, for June 2, 1951

NoTE.—"Wherever Ezra labored, there sprang up a revival in the study of the Holy Scriptures. Teachers were appointed to instruct the people; the law of the Lord was exalted and made honorable. The books of the prophets were searched, and the passages foretelling the coming of the Messiah brought
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NOTE.—"Every device that the prince of darkness can suggest, will be employed to induce God's servants to form a confederacy with the agents of Satan. Repeated solicitations will come to call them from duty; but like Nehemiah, they should steadfastly reply, 'I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.' God's workers may safely keep on with their work, letting their efforts refute the falsehoods that malice may coin for their injury. Like the builders on the walls of Jerusalem, they must refuse to be diverted from their work by threats or mockery or falsehood."—Prophets and Kings, page 659.    10. What blessings accompany Sabbath reform? Isa. 58:12-14.


NOTE.—"The prophet here describes a people who, in a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, are seeking to restore the principles that are the foundation of the kingdom of God. They are repairers of a breach that has been made in God's law,—the wall that He has placed around His chosen ones for their protection, and obedience to whose precepts of justice, truth, and purity, is to be their perpetual safeguard."—Prophets and Kings, pages 677, 678.   11. What is God's desire for the physical well-being of His people? 3 John 2; 1 Cor. 10:31; 6:19, 20; 1:6, 7.

NoTE.—"Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth, there will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times."—The Great Con- troversy, page 464.
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          Stewardship in View of the End
MEMORY VERSE: "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Proverbs 3:9, 10.
STUDY HELPS: "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 35-58, 65-103, 133-167; "While It Is Day," chapter 10.
                      DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT 1.   General survey of the lesson.    5. Read selections from "Counsels on 2.   Questions 1-3.                        Stewardship." 3.   Questions 4-8.                   6. Read selection from "While It Is 4.   Questions 9-13.                       Day."
                                   7. Review.

            God's Ownership and Our Stewardship    1. In the beginning how did God establish His creative owner- ship of the world? Gen. 2:3, 16, 17.

 NOTE. "The followers of Christ are not to despise wealth;, they are to  look upon wealth as the Lord's entrusted talent. By a wise use of His gifts,  they may be eternally benefited, but we are to bear the fact in mind that  God has not given us riches to use just as we shall fancy, to indulge impulse,  to bestow or withhold as we shall please. We are not to use riches in a selfish  way, devoting them simply to our own enjoyment."—Counsels on Steward-  ship, page 133.
                                   27 ]

NOTE.—"The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. Christ's self-sacri- ficing love is revealed upon the cross. That man might be saved, He gave all that He had, and then gave Himself. The cross of Christ appeals to the benevolence of every follower of the blessed Saviour. The principle there illustrated is to give, give."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 14.

NOTE.—"Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan of salvation, the law of action and reaction, making the work of beneficence, in all its branches, twice blessed. He who gives to the needy blesses others, and is blessed him- self in a still greater degree."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 13.

     Colaborers With Christ in Finishing the Work    7. For what purpose did Jesus come to this earth? What blessed relationship do we sustain to Him in this work? Luke 19:10; 2 Cor. 6:1.

                    God Reserves the Tithe   9. How much of our income belongs to the Lord? What is the nature of the tithe? Lev, 27:30.
                                 [ 28 ]

         The Latter Rain and the Loud Cry    MEMORY VERSE: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you." Acts 3:19, 20.    STUDY HELPS: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 35-46; "The Great Contro- versy," pages 603-612 (new ed., pp. 681-691); "While It Is Day," chapter 11.
                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT   1.   General survey of the lesson.          the Apostles" and "The Great   2.   Questions 1-4.                         Controversy."   3.   Questions 5-9.                    6. Read selection from "While It Is   4.   Questions 10-13.                       Day."   5.   Read selections from "The Acts of 7. Review.

                                Pentecost    1. What gracious promise and provision did Christ make for His followers before returning to heaven? John 14:16-18; Luke 24:49.

NOTE.—"To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who on the Day of Pentecost heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 20.   2. What did Jesus call this bestowal of the Holy Spirit? What would be the result? Acts 1:5, 8.
                                                       •    3. What special relationship with the Holy Spirit is each be- liever to have? Eph. 5:18, last part.

NoTE.—"If the fulfillment of the promise is not seen as it might be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should be. If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 50.   4. Before the apostles were "filled with the Spirit," through what experience did they pass? Acts 1:13, 14; 2:1.

NorE.—"In the time of the end, when God's work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. . . . The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church."—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 54, 55.
"The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the 'former rain,' and glorious was the result. But the 'latter rain' will, be more abundant."—The Desire of Ages, page 827.   7. What does the Lord ask His people to do? What promise does He make to them? Zech. 10:1.

NOTE.—"But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spirit- ual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest 'in the time of the latter rain.' "—The Acts of the Apo.itles, page 55.
             The Latter Rain and the Loud Cry    8. What effect will the "latter rain" have upon the giving of the message? Joel 2:23-29. Compare Rev. 18:1.

NOTE.—"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power....,I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, `It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.' "—Early Writings, page 271.    9. What great announcement will be made as the final message of God swells into the loud cry? Rev. 18:2, 3.

NOTE.—"The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message, as it swells to a loud cry."—Early Writings, page 277.
10. Before the impending judgments of God are to be poured  out in the seven last plagues, what earnest appeal will accompany  the denunciation of the sins of Babylon? Rev. 18:4, 5.

 NOTE.—"But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visita-  tion of His judgments, these faithful ones must be called out, that they 'par-
                                   [ 31 ]

   The Preparation Needed to Receive the Latter Rain    11. What is the first condition required for the reception of the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38; 3:19.


NoTE.—"Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions."—The Desire of Ages, page 672.
"It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now."—Testimonies to Ministers, page 507.   12. How earnestly was Israel admonished to pray for the Holy Spirit? Hosea 10:12.


NOTE.—"Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preach concerning it?"—The Acts of the Apostles; page 50.
"For the daily baptism of the Spirit, every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workers should gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize His chosen ambas- sadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit."—Ibid., p. 50, 51.    13. To whom will God give His Holy Spirit? Acts 5:32.


NOTE.—"When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost will fall on us."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 246.


                  Lesson 12, for June 23, 1951

                 The Impending Conflict
MEMORY VERSE: "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Revelation 3:10, 11.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 582-634 (new ed., pp. 657- 715) ; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 449-454; "While It Is Day," chapter 12.
                                   f 32

NOTE.—"It is on the law of God that the last great struggle of the contro- versy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels will come, and it will be decisive for all the world."—Christian Service, page 155.
"The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God. All will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 231.    3. What is the principal issue in the final conflict? Rev. 14: 9-12, 14.

NOTE.—"The sources from which these spirits issue, denote that they will work among three great religious divisions of mankind, represented by the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, or paganism, Roman Catholicism, and apostate Protestantism."—Daniel and the Revelation, page 700.
7. What two errors open the way for spiritism to deceive pap- ists, Protestants, and worldlings?

NOTE.—"The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exalta- tion, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. He will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity, and the earth shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 141.
12. What blessed assurance of divine favor is given those who refuse to swerve from their allegiance to God? Rev. 3:10, 11.


                  Lesson 13, for June 30, 1951

      Final Events in the Great Controversy    MEMORY VERSE: "After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Revelation 18:1.    STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 563-652 (new ed., pp. 637- 733) ; "While It Is Day," chapter 13.
                       DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT   1.   General survey of the lesson.    5. Read selection from "The Great   2.   Questions 1-3.                        Controversy."   3.   Questions 4-8.                   6. Read selection from "While It Is   4.   Questions 9-12.                       Day."
                                    7. Review.

  How Satan Seeks to Hinder the 'Work of Salvation   1. How do men make the commandments of God of none effect? Matt. 15:6, 9.

NOTE.—"Those who teach the people to regard lightly the commandments of God, sow disobedience, to reap disobedience. . . . If the law were not binding, why should any fear to transgress? Property would no longer be safe. Men would obtain their neighbors' possessions by violence; and the strongest would become richest. Life itself would not be respected. The marriage vow would no longer stand as a sacred bulwark to protect the
                              E 35

NOTE.—"While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he [Satan] will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence."—The Great Controversy, pages 589, 590.

          Steps Leading to Sunday Legislation    4. When false arguments, threats, and bribes prove unavailing to silence the witness of God's people, in what direction will the advocates of Sunday sacredness turn for aid? Rev. 13:14-17; 18:3.

NoTE.—"The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital ques- tions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against command- ment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith."—The Great Controversy, page 607.
"The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas."—Mid., p. 445.    5. To what do men resort in their opposition to God's people? Isa. 8:9-12; 28:15.

NOTE.—"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result."—The Great Contro- versy, page 445.
                                  [ 36

NOTE.—"As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light ; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren."—The Great Controversy, page 608.    8. What will be the result of the witnessing of those brought to courts of justice? Mark 13:9.

NOTE.—"The light given me by the Lord at a time when we were expect- ing just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching, was that when the people were moved by a power from beneath to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh- day Adventists were to show their wisdom by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort.
"To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers. . . . Keep right on with your missionary work, with your Bibles in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause. One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance. . •
                                   [ 37 ]

NOTE.—"I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble."—Early Writings, pages 36, 37.
"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that all, 'both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator's rest day demands obedience, and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts:
"With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment, receives the mark of the beast." —The Great Controversy, page 604.
     The Mighty Deliverance and Glorious Reward    11. Although the time of trouble and persecution seems long to God's waiting people, what is His promise regarding the finish- ing of the work and the deliverance of His people? Rom. 9:28; Luke 18:7, 8.

NOTE.—"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire,—so resplendent is it with the glory of God,—are gathered the company that have 'gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.' ... 'These are they which came out of great tribulation;' they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have en- dured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have 'washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb' `In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault' before God. 'Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them' (Rev. 7:14-17)."—The Great Controversy, pages 648, 649.
                                 38 ]

   THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
        June 30, 1951—South American Division
 To greatly aid in breaking down prejudice and in opening up the gospel  work still farther in the country of Paraguay, South America, it is planned  with the help of our Sabbath-school members everywhere to build a small  hospital to accommodate 25 to 50 patients in the capital city of AsundOn.  A new day is dawning in this field, for souls are being won to the gospel, and  the medical work has played no small part in the development of the work  there. The South American Division has provided funds with which to pur-  chase the land for this hospital, but it is estimated the cost of the buildings  and equipment will amount to $40,000.
 The last quarter of 1949, Sabbath-school members gave an overflow offer-  ing of $47,998.15, which was given for the establishment of a hospital in Belem,  the principal city of the Amazon. Not only were they able to erect a hospital 'with this offering, but a nurses' home and a home for the doctor were also  built. For this they are truly grateful.
 Let us give as liberal an offering for the establishment of a hospital in  Asuncion as we did for that in Belem. Make June 30 a double dollar day for  every member of your church by your offering.


                                    39

                         •
                                                                                          BRAZIL

                                                                                ATLANTIC OCEAN




                                                                SOUTHERN SECTION
                                                              AUSTRAL UNION MISSION



                                             SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION
                                              UNION MISSION      POPULATION    CHUKCHI,    CN WM     ”. N,M

                                              AUSTRAL             26,176,328     130        12.041    13.247

                                              FAST ORAZIL         26,137,107      62         7,756    11,619

                                              INCA                136613,111      60        13,673    18,126

                                              NORTH BRAZIL         5,661,790      10         8529      1.226

                                              S00111 BRAZIL       14.290,339      67        18,920    21,643

                                              DIVISION TOTALS     66,150.730     120        49.928    47.461



                                               10

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